Shock Twist: Victim Withdraws in Viral Assault Case, But Police Say ASP Nsiima Will Still Be Held Accountable

By BM

The Uganda Police Force has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice and accountability in the case involving Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Clive Nsiima, who was captured on video allegedly assaulting a female shop attendant at a Shell Select shop in Kyanja.

The incident, which sparked public outrage after a video surfaced on social media, led to immediate internal and legal action against the officer.

Speaking during a press briefing at Naguru on Monday, Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke detailed the sequence of actions taken by the police once the video came to their attention.

Rusoke said the police had arrested Nsiima shortly after identifying him in the footage and detained him in police cells.

He confirmed that the officer was subjected to internal disciplinary processes, appearing before a disciplinary panel on both Tuesday and Friday of the previous week.

He also indicated that the disciplinary process was ongoing, though at the time of the press briefing, he had not yet received a formal report on its outcome.

Rusoke added that a detailed brief regarding the final disciplinary action would be provided in due course.

Regarding the criminal case, Rusoke stated that according to his briefing, Nsiima was scheduled to appear or had already appeared before the KCCA Court to answer to criminal charges stemming from the incident.

He said that by the close of business on the day of the briefing, Nsiima was expected to have formally faced those charges in court.

On the matter of the victim reportedly withdrawing her complaint, Rusoke clarified the limited role of police once a case enters the judicial system.

He explained that if the complainant changed her statement during criminal proceedings, it was no longer within the police’s power to determine the direction or outcome of the case.

He emphasized that the police do not influence court decisions.

He elaborated that the police’s role is to carry out the investigation, obtain statements from both the complainant and the accused, compile all the evidence into a case file, and submit it to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

According to Rusoke, it is the DPP who then reviews the evidence and decides on the appropriate charges.

He made it clear that any developments following that stage such as court decisions or dropped charges are determined by the judicial system and not the police.

Despite the possible change in the victim’s stance, Rusoke said the police had done their part to ensure that Nsiima was held accountable for conduct that was, in his words, completely against the police disciplinary code.

He said the force had acted in accordance with its values by ensuring the officer faced both disciplinary and criminal charges.

Rusoke emphasized that the police had publicly condemned the officer’s conduct and took swift action in response.

He assured the public that justice for the victim remained a priority, stating that the force had made clear commitments to hold the officer accountable and to support the victim in seeking justice.

At the time of publication, Nsiima had appeared before the City Hall Court, and further details on the proceedings were expected to be released soon.

Rusoke reiterated that he would provide updates on the outcome of both the criminal case and the internal disciplinary measures. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).